There is in the trade of nations, wisdom. We can shut China out, saying we should have known all along that trade with them would harm us. Or, we can continue the path of peace, which is trade.
These might not rise to war, but nation is turning against nation in our day. I might wonder with many of you if there are times we should punish the North Koreans and the Iranians, by cutting them off from trade. But, for the most part, I suggest you forge friendships with other nations by being their friends. Friendship begets friendship and trade is an act of friendship. If a country trades with you, you build a mutual dependence on each other, and that serves to build friendship.
Hatred begets hatred, it is said. Even so, retaliation from one country begets counter retaliation from the other.
Nation will rise up against nation? I do wonder if this is more than just in wars. We rise up in hatred against Muslim nations, and they rise up against us. I do wonder if we could foster friendship with them, and if trade can be part of that. Consider it in terms of Christmas giving, and the sharing of presents, and of how if you buy a present for one, they are grateful to you and consider it an act of friendship. So, they reciprocate, by buying a present for you. That is trade, trading Christmas presents. That is mutual love.
I think of the United Arab Emirates, and of how that nation invited The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints to build a temple in Dubai. Friendships between nations are strengthened by such acts. Of note, that church announced at the same time that it will also be building a temple in China.
Peace comes not with acts of hate, such as cutting off trade, but with acts of love, such as sharing. Friendship comes not with saying, "I'm not going to play with you," and packing your bags and storming away. No, friendship comes with sitting down with another and sharing your toys together.
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